Kennedy affirms support for public healthcare plan

[SpartanDem]

By Jeffrey Young
Posted: 05/21/09 02:46 PM
Liberals pushing for the creation of a federally run health insurance plan won a major victory Thursday when Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) strongly indicated his commitment to the policy, one of the most controversial elements of healthcare reform.

Kennedy has co-sponsored a resolution introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and 26 other Democratic senators that declares the healthcare reform legislation the Senate will consider this summer must include a public plan option people can choose instead of private insurance. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also co-sponsored the resolution.

Though purely symbolic, this show of strength by 28 Democratic senators sends a clear signal to liberals that a public plan, one of the left’s top priorities and a component of President Obama’s healthcare platform, will be part of reform.

Kennedy’s unequivocal support for the public plan marks a return of sorts to the front lines of the battle for healthcare reform


http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/kennedy-affirms-support-for-public-healthcare-plan-2009-05-21.html

[a kennedy]

1. You da man Senator Kennedy.....

and that coming from "a kennedy" :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

[jsamuel]

2. now I hear Baucus is pushing for an "Optional" Public Option.

Where there is only a public option if the government later decides we need one. What utter nonsense.

[cascadiance]

3. Live long and prosper Ted. We need your continued voice!

[andym]

4. I like the idea of a competition between a public "single payer" plan and private plans

I like the idea of a competition between a public "single payer"-like plan and various private plans. Nothing wrong with some competition as an experiment. Let's see which one costs the least money and provides the most value!

Let's see which one best holds down drug/technology, and administrative costs. And which one provides the most flexibility of treatment for its customers. After some period (2 years?) the winners should then be made the default.

[Mass]

5. Seeing Kennedy back in the loop gives me some hope that there will be some meaningful reforms.\nt

[alsame]

6. Bless his heart. He's always for the people. n/t

[politicasista]

7. Kick for Uncle Ted

Hope they can get this passed. :)